The interviewer asked Yang Hyun Suk, “There has been a large issue recently over Lee Hi’s sister. People are saying that she got through the first round through her connections, not her talent.”

To this, Yang Hyun Suk responded, “I can understand how people can think that. It is true that I showed an extra interest toward Lee Hyu Rim because she was Lee Hi’s sister. It is also true that I felt that I could at least give Lee Hyu Rim one chance. However, at the second round, I will be judging her more harshly.

It is very possible that a contestant who does very well the first round can do poorly in the next round. Although it different for different judges, I personally try to look for good points in a contestant during the first round and then judge more harshly the second round.”

He continued, “All of the judges on the show are different. Park Jin Youngfinds the first impression very important. Therefore, he comes out to be harsher towards contestants during auditions. Yoo Hee Yeolfinds the compassion and heart of contestants to be very important.

For me, I like to find something new and fresh. Although Lee Hyu Rim received more interest from me due to her connection to Lee Hi, she also received a lot of attention from the public.

After the broadcast, she was second top searched person on the internet. No matter how well you sing, if you cannot receive interest from the public, you will not be able to get far in the show.”

Do you guys think Lee Hyu Rim had the talent to make it to the second round?